Credit, collections & insolvency news

New research by credit experts TotallyMoney has revealed the best average credit score locations across the UK, with Greater London soaring to the top, and Hertfordshire following close behind.

The Free Credit Report company looked at credit scores for all available postcode areas, to calculate the average score for that district. TotallyMoney then ranked them in order: from highest average area, to lowest.

Kingston upon Thames was the town to soar to the top of the table, with the highest average credit score of 547. Greater London areas are shown to be the best performers, with seven locations ranking in the top 20. As well as Kingston upon Thames, Greater London areas Harrow, Twickenham, Sutton, Slough, Enfield, and Ilford all rank in the top 20, taking places 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 11th, 13th, and 16th respectively.

The second-best performers were areas in Hertfordshire, with three locations ranking in the top 20. Watford, Hemel Hempstead, and St Albans took places 2nd, 7th and 12th respectively. Aberdeen (14th) and Wick (17th) were the only areas in Scotland to feature in the top 20. No areas in Wales ranked in the top 20.

Although Cleveland took last place with an average credit score of 513, Yorkshire was revealed to be the worst performing county overall, with six locations taking places in the bottom 20.

Second from last was Yorkshire’s Doncaster, which has an average credit score of 514. Hull also ranked in the bottom five, with an average credit score of 515. Midlands’ Wolverhampton also featured in the bottom five, one spot below Hull. Two areas in Scotland, Dundee and Kilmarnock, ranked in the bottom 20. Although locations in Wales didn’t rank in the top 20, they didn’t rank in the bottom 20 either.

Based on the scores, TotallyMoney has created an interactive map showing the average credit scores across all areas of the UK. People can look at the map to see the average credit score for their location and compare this with their own, to see whether they are above or below the average for their area.

TotallyMoney Head of Brand and Content Joe Gardiner said: “Your credit score gives you a handy snapshot of how well you’re managing your money. And the credit ‘haves’ in the South East score higher than the credit ‘have nots’ in the North. But whether you’re in Lands End or John O’Groats, you can check our interactive map to see if you’re a better borrower than your neighbours.

“Of course, for the full picture of your financial fortitude, and to find out how to improve your score, you’ll need to check out your credit report. Get yours free from TotallyMoney, and it’ll be the Kardashians who are trying to keep up with you.”